Westlake Word

By REBECCA CROSS

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Over a billion results in half-a-second; contact with billions of people with the click of a button; and access to whatever one desires is all available within reach. 

Cell phones: what once began as a portable tool for communication has evolved into a technology much greater. However, coupled with the mobile devices’ benefits, is the shrewd psychological manipulation of the modern tech-world. It is important to analyze the detrimental aspects of the never-ending, rapid conduit of information that cell phones provide.

By ARIANNA MURATORE

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The movie adapted from its original play version, Fences (2016), is about protagonist Troy Maxson, who missed his chance at becoming a professional baseball player; it was too late by the time the major leagues allowed black athletes to play. Fences is a powerful story that focuses on Maxson’s family, Maxson’s inability to cope with his lost opportunity and how this ultimately impedes on his son’s life.  The movie is an adaptation of the acclaimed play, set in the 1950s, and highlights topics of family and racial barriers. 

By OLIVIA CARTANO

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Though they are commonly seen simply as sources of entertainment, today’s most popular musicians play a surprisingly large role in how society conducts itself. Artists today are constantly pushing at the boundaries of societal norms. 

By PETER MARDJONOVIC

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The Disney Plus app is another mainstream service app that has come into public view during the last few years. Disney Plus, unlike other streaming apps, is quite different because of what it offers. Disney Plus captures the heart of both young and old by features every Disney television show and movie for easy access and entertainment for the low price of $6.99 a month. 

By JULIE LYDEN

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According to Charlotte Hilton Andersen, of Reader’s Digest, “Depression is like a war. You either win or die trying.” Many teens experience depression at a young age for many reasons. Unfortunately, as of late, social media has heightened the increase in teen depression. 

According to National Public Radio,  “A study published Thursday in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology finds the percentage of U.S. teens and young adults reporting mental distress, depression and suicidal thoughts and actions has risen significantly over the past decade.”

By ELEANOR DEMPSEY

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Rated: R

Score: 1/5

Joker is the psychological thriller centered around the infamous Batman villain’s bleak origins. It begins with Arthur Fleck, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, as a freelance clown struggling in Gotham’s broken down society.

By ARIANNA EDWARDS

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The novel Circe by Madeline Miller opens with the line “When I was born, the name for what I was did not exist.”

By EDMUND GRECO

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Two of the world’s most powerful commerce companies, Amazon Inc. and Apple Inc., are renowned for their notoriety and influence in the modern global world. Although not technically both technical companies, both provide a pathway to the future with their constant innovations and influence.

By EMILY PENSABENE

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​On November 7th 2017, the world, including many baseball fans, lost a former pitcher named Roy Halladay.  He was only 40 when he died in a plane crash off the coast of Florida and into the Gulf of Mexico.